Whole Wheat Bread

This whole wheat bread recipe delivers a soft, fluffy, and nutritious loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side to soups and salads. Packed with the goodness of whole grains, this bread is not only delicious but also a healthy option to include in your daily meals. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a wonderful chewy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy & Nutritious: Made with 100% whole wheat flour, this bread is rich in fiber and other essential nutrients.
• Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for even beginners to follow.
• Versatile: You can use this bread for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoy it with a pat of butter.
• Soft Texture: Even though it’s made with whole wheat, this bread comes out soft and fluffy.
• Freezes Well: Make a batch and freeze extra loaves for future use.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Whole wheat flour
• Warm water
• Honey
• Olive oil
• Active dry yeast
• Salt

Directions

1. Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
2. Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it doubles in size.
5. Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough to release any air, then shape it into a loaf. Place it into a greased loaf pan.
6. Second rise: Let the dough rise again for another 30-45 minutes until it’s slightly above the rim of the pan.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and it sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool: Remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 1 loaf, which provides about 12 slices.
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rising Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2.5-3 hours

Variations

• Add Seeds: Mix in sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chia seeds for added texture and nutrition.
• Sweeten It Up: For a sweeter bread, increase the amount of honey or add a touch of molasses.
• Herbs and Spices: Add dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant, savory loaf.
• Multigrain Option: Replace part of the whole wheat flour with rolled oats, rye flour, or spelt for a multigrain twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To refresh the bread, simply toast slices or warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until soft.

FAQs

How do I make sure my whole wheat bread isn’t dense?

Ensure you knead the dough long enough to develop the gluten, and make sure the dough rises fully before baking.

Can I use a stand mixer for this recipe?

Yes, you can knead the dough using a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment on medium speed for about 5-6 minutes.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture and flavor will change. All-purpose flour will make the bread lighter and less dense.

Why didn’t my bread rise properly?

Your yeast may not have been activated correctly, or the environment may have been too cold. Make sure the water is warm (not hot) and the yeast is fresh.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes, you can substitute instant yeast in equal amounts. It doesn’t need to be activated in water first.

Can I add sugar instead of honey?

Yes, you can replace honey with sugar or maple syrup in equal amounts.

How can I make the bread softer?

Adding a little more fat (like butter or extra olive oil) or using a bit of milk instead of water can help make the bread softer.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

It’s difficult to make this recipe gluten-free as gluten is necessary for the structure of the bread. You would need a specific gluten-free flour blend for bread.

What’s the best way to slice this bread?

Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Use a serrated bread knife for best results.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when it has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; it should read 190°F when fully baked.

Conclusion

This whole wheat bread recipe is an excellent way to enjoy homemade, wholesome bread without preservatives. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to bread-making, this recipe provides a nutritious and delicious loaf with minimal effort. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven, or freeze extra slices for later!

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